Patrcia Rieman ’54 – 04/10/2026

Posted by Christopher Byrd on 2026-04-22
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Rieman, Patricia A. (nee Rieman)
Aug. 2, 1936 – Apr. 10, 2026

Age 89; beloved daughter of the late Mary (nee Bergen) and George Rieman; dear cousin of James (Kathleen) Bellaire and George (the late Beverly) Bellaire; she also is survived by her beloved cat Felix; treasured by several other relatives and dear friends. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Patricia’s memory to the SPCA in West Seneca (www.yourspca.org). Arrangements by AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC. Please visit Patricia’s Tribute Page to share memories and condolences at www.AMIGONE.com

Original: https://www.amigone.com/obituaries/Patricia-A-Rieman?obId=48106672

Michael Cowan ’65 Debut Novel “John B. Peoples” Launched

Posted by Christopher Byrd on 2026-04-22
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From Michael, “My debut novel – John B. Peoples – officially launched today! Although it is not set in Buffalo (wait until my next novel), one of the main characters was born there and says great things about our hometown. The book is available online via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and Books-a-Million. You can also check out my website at michaelcowan.net if you want to see what time hath wrought. :)”

ACHS Class of 1977 Ski Reunion 2026

Posted by Christopher Byrd on 2026-03-30
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(By Michael Chardack ’77) Fourteen brave souls from the Amherst High School Class of 1977 descended upon Park City, Utah for the 5th Annual Ski Trip Reunion, graciously hosted by Rick Porter. A great time was had by all. Although the snow was sparse this year in Utah, the group found plenty of opportunities to make turns. Special thanks go to Jon Kim for dinner consisting of Korean dumplings and Korean barbecue, while Kevin Maloney gets kudos for a fine grilled steak and potatoes evening meal. Each night after a day of hard skiing and a fine dining experience, the group came together to review the ever present Tower 1977, Polaris 1974 year books; current classmates and classmates who are no longer with us; as well as the accolades of the ACHS Class of 1977. Plans were made for the 6th Annual reunion and our 50th class reunion next year. The group cordially invites all classmates or ACHS alumni to join us next March.

Front Row from left to right: Michael Chardack, Mark Hichar, Tony D’Angelo, Rick Porter, Jon Kim, Peter Mercer – Rear Row: Jon Wright, Steve Nisberg, Ned Falk, Tim Nichols, Kevin Maloney, Bruce Kohn, Peter Gordon – Not Pictured: David King

Joseph Michael Szafranski ’96 – 03/13/2026

Posted by Christopher Byrd on 2026-03-25
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Szafranski, Joseph Michael

Oct 11, 1978 – Mar 13, 2026



Entered into heaven after a short-term illness. Devoted father of Joseph “Joey” Michael Szafranski Jr.. Beloved son of Joseph E. and Susan (nee Kibler) Szafranski. Brother of Megan (Paul) Gillikin. Also survived by a supportive family including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Joseph attended Amherst High School and Canisius College. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences. He was employed by CBP as an Entry Specialist. Joseph loved the Bills, Sabres and Yankees. He enjoyed music of all kinds and loved to cook. He had the ability to see beauty in the simple things in life. Joseph had a generous heart and a kind spirit. His smile lit up a room. He had an amazing group of friends he considered brothers but the light of his life was his son, Joey. Joey made his dad so proud through his scholastic success and athletic achievements. The memories they made are eternal. Joseph would be happy if everyone was always kind to each other and remembered it is a wonderful world. All are invited to celebrate the life of Joseph Michael Szafranski at a Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 30 Lamarck Dr. (at Main St.) Amherst, N.Y. 14226. Online condolences may be shared at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com.

Original: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/buffalonews/name/joseph-szafranski-obituary?id=61077123

The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation awarded $16,433.10 in Grants for the 2025-2026 School Year

Posted by Christopher Byrd on 2026-03-23
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The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc. Grant Committee awarded $16,433.10 for requests submitted by faculty and staff for the 2025-26 school year.  Grants were awarded in all four schools for academics, technology, sports, arts, and special education. Among the grants awarded were: Independent Reading Library, Student Council Pop Up Tents, 7th Grade Trip to Evangola State Park, Girls in Manufacturing Trip, AMS Pop Chorus Trip to Shea’s, SDS Buffalo Zoo Trip, Grade 5 EOY Day of Play, and Continued support of Windy’s Closet.

Grants are fully funded by generous alumni donations and other fundraising activities. Grants are awarded for programs not funded by the school district budget and are selected based on the number of students who will be positively affected.  

The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc. has awarded over $229,543.00 in grants over the past 20+ years.  For more information, please visit our website www.amherstalumni.org.  

If you are interested in supporting the foundation, visit our donation page. 

https://www.amherstalumni.org/Donate.htm

The foundation is also hosting our second Meat Raffle on Saturday, May 2nd. Funds raised at the event will go to our grant program. The link below provides more information about the event and how to purchase tickets.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/amherst-central-alumni-foundation-meat-raffle–2026